Trends in socioeconomic inequalities in pancreatic cancer mortality in Canada: Evidence from the Canadian Vital Statistics Death Database

Background

Pancreatic cancer is one of the leading causes of death in Canada and is projected to be the second leading cause of cancer death by 2030. This study sought to evaluate education and income inequalities in pancreatic cancer mortality in Canada between 1990 and 2019.

Methods

Using a unique census division level dataset (n = 280) constructed from the Canadian Vital Statistics Death Database, Canadian Census of Population (1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2016), and National Household Survey (2011) we assess socioeconomic inequalities in pancreatic cancer in Canada. Age-standardized Concentration index was used to quantify income and education inequalities in pancreatic cancer mortality. Trends analyses were conducted to assess changes in income and education inequalities in pancreatic cancer mortality over time.

Results

Our results show that crude pancreatic cancer mortality in Canada increased significantly from 10.23 for males and 9.65 for females in 1990, to 15.99 for males and 14.28 for females in 2019, per 100,000 people. The statistically significant negative values of age-standardized Concentration indices suggest persistent income and education inequalities in pancreatic cancer mortality in Canada. Trend analyses indicates reductions in income and education inequalities in pancreatic cancer mortality over time, particularly among females.

Conclusions

Significant income and education inequalities in pancreatic cancer mortality in Canada warrant public policy concern and action. Further research is required to understand whether differential access to treatment across socioeconomic groups played a role in the observed socioeconomic inequalities.